Liuku on the Nujiang River (Salween River)

Liuku is in Northwestern Yunnan.

Understand

Liuku is not a tourist destination. It is a transport hub that is necessary to pass through to head north up the Nujiang valley. This city, however, is very clean and pleasant. It is a relaxing place to stop over for a few days.

Get in

By bus

Busses run between Liuku and Gongshan, Kunming and Xiaguan. Busses also run north to Bingzhongluo, but the road is still a no-through road, so after seeing Bingzhongluo you must back track to Liuku. The bus station is a little out of the center of town (around ¥10–15 in a taxi), but tickets can be bought prior to departure in a small shop behind the Mingzheng hotel.

Get around

Taxis and walking, the city is not too large.

See

A pathway runs up the hill from the foot bridge and along the top, you can get a great view of the city. This path is easy to find as it is illuminated with neon lights at night. The riverside is quite busy at night, take a walk to see the locals dancing or to have a drink at one of the many bars.

Buy

There are a lot of Wedding dress shops around town.

Eat

• yellwguhi. (updated Oct 2023)

Drink

Bars, restaurants and karaoke bars are dotted along the river front.

Sleep

No hostels, many business hotels are cheap enough and decent. Mingzheng hotel is the best in town, but expensive.

Go next

Busses run from Liuku to Bingzhongluo twice a day (07:20 and midday). The bus ride will be nine hours, along bumpy roads and cliff faces. Busses will often be small and cramped. The scenery, however, is beautiful. Bingzhongluo is a must see for nature lovers and hikers.